House Panel Aims
To Trim Iraq Aid

WASHINGTON -- House Republicans proposed cutting $1.65 billion from President Bush's Iraq reconstruction-aid request, striking many high-cost projects that risked a backlash on the floor next week.

The changes are reflected in a draft bill and 76-page House Appropriations Committee report that also demands more timely notification to Congress as the $18.6 billion reconstruction package is spent over the coming year.